Russell Crowe reveals a bushier beard as he defends his Aussie rugby club

Three years ago, Crowe campaigned against Aussie 'pokies', gambling machines similar to fruit machines, which are found in many pubs, casinos and other venues across Australia.

The machines have been criticised for increasing the number of people addicted to gambling.

But defending the decision for his South Sydney Rabbitohs club to be sponsored by Sydney’s Star City casino and hotel, he said at a press conference: “We live in a state where they tell us that pokie machines pay for their hospitals.

'This is an entertainment venue in general. It’s not just about gambling.'

Insisting he didn’t like pokie machines, he admitted: “In life, I am a gambler.

'The fact I took on South Sydney in the first place underlines that.'

The Star City venue says it is more than just a gambling venue.

However, it is expected to apply to operate 1,000 more pokie machines in the coming months.

The Star City logo will appear on the front of the Rabbitohs' home jerseys for the next three seasons.